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Look at the ratings carefully. Most A-S/Trane units won't deliver the full efficiency without variable speed indoor units. So models called 14 won't go over 13 with standard blower. The Heritage 15 or XL15i will not likely go over 14 with standard blower. Also look at the HSPF and heating output numbers. Usually fairly low with these brands.

Currently the Am Std Heritage systems are offering SEER ratings straight out of the box with conventional air handlers. These SEER ratings will be increased with the addition of a variable speed air handler. ie. 13 SEER OD Unit with Variable Speed AHU = 13.9 SEER. When moving to the two speed systems of 16+, the 16 SEER Rating applies to conventional air handler and increases to 16.4 with Variable Speed air handler. Can't say for sure about the Tranes, but would suspect that to also be the case with them, as they are the same manufacturers.
Am Std HSPF's are from 8.80 - 9.20.
What brands are higher?

If your furnaces are 3 years old, I would recommend replaceing the furnaces and air conditioners. The new higher efficiency systems need the better air flows. The manufacturers have matching charts for coils, furnaces and air conditioners and should be followed with new systems. As to which one, they're the same. Go with the best contractor.

Currently the Am Std Heritage systems are offering SEER ratings straight out of the box with conventional air handlers. These SEER ratings will be increased with the addition of a variable speed air handler. ie. 13 SEER OD Unit with Variable Speed AHU = 13.9 SEER. When moving to the two speed systems of 16+, the 16 SEER Rating applies to conventional air handler and increases to 16.4 with Variable Speed air handler. Can't say for sure about the Tranes, but would suspect that to also be the case with them, as they are the same manufacturers.
Am Std HSPF's are from 8.80 - 9.20.
What brands are higher?

you can't install a 16i with a standard blower, HAS to have variable speed.

Currently the Am Std Heritage systems are offering SEER ratings straight out of the box with conventional air handlers. These SEER ratings will be increased with the addition of a variable speed air handler. ie. 13 SEER OD Unit with Variable Speed AHU = 13.9 SEER. When moving to the two speed systems of 16+, the 16 SEER Rating applies to conventional air handler and increases to 16.4 with Variable Speed air handler. Can't say for sure about the Tranes, but would suspect that to also be the case with them, as they are the same manufacturers.
Am Std HSPF's are from 8.80 - 9.20.
What brands are higher?

I don't think so. I wish that was the way it is but it's not. Take for example a 4A6H4048B1000A (4-ton Heritage 14) and match it with a 4TEC3F48B1000A (4-ton TEC blower), and you have 13.00 SEER--that's not 14.00 SEER. Some sizes are match-ups with higher-sized indoor units, and this can raise the efficiency, but only slightly (still not 14 SEER). Nevertheless, you can still get a great product made by American Standard/Trane (or another manufacturer!) but with a slightly lower efficiency rating. .5 or .75 SEER isn't that big of a deal when you put it into perspective with the other advantages of the Heritage 14--scroll compressor, sound blanket, etc... Now, this isn't to say I think matching a 15 SEER unit up with no variable-speed blower is worth it. I wouldn't go higher than 13/14 SEER without a variable-speed blower. My opinion.

A/S efficencys are all about the evap coil you put in. Usually to get the listed seer on the condenser your putting in a evap a ton in size bigger. Or the giagantic 3 foot evap coil on the 5 ton units. VS units are required on the 16 and 18 seer units.

I don't think so. I wish that was the way it is but it's not. Take for example a 4A6H4048B1000A (4-ton Heritage 14) and match it with a 4TEC3F48B1000A (4-ton TEC blower), and you have 13.00 SEER--that's not 14.00 SEER. Some sizes are match-ups with higher-sized indoor units, and this can raise the efficiency, but only slightly (still not 14 SEER). Nevertheless, you can still get a great product made by American Standard/Trane (or another manufacturer!) but with a slightly lower efficiency rating. .5 or .75 SEER isn't that big of a deal when you put it into perspective with the other advantages of the Heritage 14--scroll compressor, sound blanket, etc... Now, this isn't to say I think matching a 15 SEER unit up with no variable-speed blower is worth it. I wouldn't go higher than 13/14 SEER without a variable-speed blower. My opinion.

You are absolutely correct. We were recently told by our sales people that these units were "Out of the box" rated SEER. Upon further investigation today (after your post) I found what you say to be very true. Our sales rep "has some splaining to do"

The Trane XL series if installed as a full system will provide you with a 10 year parts warranty on everything installed including the thermo, and air cleaner if you go that route. The labor is under a 2 year warranty.
American Standard does not offer this warranty.